2rangers
09-08-2005, 16:05
Gundoc-
You are a well trusted member of this BBS, and as I said before, your reputation precedes you. That's why I have no reservations about asking you a gunsmith-related question. So here goes:
Not long ago, I was given a Santa fe jungle carbine. It's basically a stand. no.4, that has been modified(not really bubba-fied) to resemble a No.5 jungle carbine.
Golden state arms did the conversion, but I'm not exactly sure when. Everything seems to be in decent shape, w/ the exception of the chamber. The bore had some minor surface rust, but after a thorough cleaning, the pitting is minimal.
The best part is that this rifle was FTR'd at some point around the late '40's-early '50's, and not shot too much since that.(the rifling is pretty crisp). The barrel, although def. a brit. issue barrel w/ left hand twist and proof marks, is MUCH thicker in dia. than a standard No.5 barrel, even thicker than my other No.4's. I hope this will translate to even better accuracy, and less heat-induced poi shift. The entire rifle was then parked pretty well, and has no traces of the factory baked enamel, wich is another plus in my book. BTW- I posted a pic in the gallery. I'd give you a link, but I don't know how.
There's the pre-text, so now for the question.
As I said, there seems to be a problem w/ the chamber. The fired brass has a peculiar bulge in the shoulder area. This is w/ both fact. ammo, and reduced load handloads. I scoped the chamber, and sure enough, there is a corresponding bulge in the shoulder area of the chamber, from the 7 o'clock to 9 o'clock positions. Not rough, but like it was eroded gently, as if by corrosion, but smooth in nature. As smooth as the rest of the chamber. The remainder of the chamber is actually at minimums, and the fired brass is expanded only minimally. Much less than any of my wartime-made enfields, w/ "generous", function-with-mud-dirt-etc.-chambers.
I am thinking of re-chambering the barrel, and going w/ an improved case design-.303 Epps. Sort of like a P.O. Ackley improvement, but not as severe. The cartridge will continue to headspace on the rim, ala traditional .303 brit. I plan on fire-forming my cases w/ light loads, and neck-sizing thereafter. I am also thinking of getting the throat re-cut at the same time, as there is slight throat erosion. Headspace shouldn't change too much, and I can always correct it w/ a new bolt head, if necesaary. I have researched new loads for this cart., and pressure will still be below 45,000 cup, a safe max. ave. pressure for .303 brit/enfield actions.
I plan on having a local reputable smith do this, as, no offense intended, I like face-to-face business dealings; a firm handshake still holds worth to me. I just wanted to get your opinion, as you are a wealth of knowledge, and who knows, may have done a similar job in the past.
I thank you in advance for your reply,
Carlo :sniper:
You are a well trusted member of this BBS, and as I said before, your reputation precedes you. That's why I have no reservations about asking you a gunsmith-related question. So here goes:
Not long ago, I was given a Santa fe jungle carbine. It's basically a stand. no.4, that has been modified(not really bubba-fied) to resemble a No.5 jungle carbine.
Golden state arms did the conversion, but I'm not exactly sure when. Everything seems to be in decent shape, w/ the exception of the chamber. The bore had some minor surface rust, but after a thorough cleaning, the pitting is minimal.
The best part is that this rifle was FTR'd at some point around the late '40's-early '50's, and not shot too much since that.(the rifling is pretty crisp). The barrel, although def. a brit. issue barrel w/ left hand twist and proof marks, is MUCH thicker in dia. than a standard No.5 barrel, even thicker than my other No.4's. I hope this will translate to even better accuracy, and less heat-induced poi shift. The entire rifle was then parked pretty well, and has no traces of the factory baked enamel, wich is another plus in my book. BTW- I posted a pic in the gallery. I'd give you a link, but I don't know how.
There's the pre-text, so now for the question.
As I said, there seems to be a problem w/ the chamber. The fired brass has a peculiar bulge in the shoulder area. This is w/ both fact. ammo, and reduced load handloads. I scoped the chamber, and sure enough, there is a corresponding bulge in the shoulder area of the chamber, from the 7 o'clock to 9 o'clock positions. Not rough, but like it was eroded gently, as if by corrosion, but smooth in nature. As smooth as the rest of the chamber. The remainder of the chamber is actually at minimums, and the fired brass is expanded only minimally. Much less than any of my wartime-made enfields, w/ "generous", function-with-mud-dirt-etc.-chambers.
I am thinking of re-chambering the barrel, and going w/ an improved case design-.303 Epps. Sort of like a P.O. Ackley improvement, but not as severe. The cartridge will continue to headspace on the rim, ala traditional .303 brit. I plan on fire-forming my cases w/ light loads, and neck-sizing thereafter. I am also thinking of getting the throat re-cut at the same time, as there is slight throat erosion. Headspace shouldn't change too much, and I can always correct it w/ a new bolt head, if necesaary. I have researched new loads for this cart., and pressure will still be below 45,000 cup, a safe max. ave. pressure for .303 brit/enfield actions.
I plan on having a local reputable smith do this, as, no offense intended, I like face-to-face business dealings; a firm handshake still holds worth to me. I just wanted to get your opinion, as you are a wealth of knowledge, and who knows, may have done a similar job in the past.
I thank you in advance for your reply,
Carlo :sniper: